Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays

Numerous studies have shown that drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in a car accident during the holiday season. During the holidays, motor vehicle accidents increase by 34%, and fatal accidents increase by 38%. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are particularly dangerous times for drivers to be out on the road. Both of these holidays see dramatic increases in accidents and injuries caused by drunk drivers. In fact, deaths increase by 64% on Thanksgiving and 54% on New Year’s Day.

The following are important safety tips to remember if you are traveling this holiday season:

Don’t Rush: Increased traffic during the holidays often causes drivers to be very reckless and impatient, which is why it is important to leave yourself enough time to get to your destination. Many holiday car accidents are the result of drivers driving faster to make up time because they are late. Manage your time responsibly and avoid driving erratically if you find yourself in bad traffic.

Don’t Drink & Drive: If you will be driving to visit friends or family over the holidays, avoid consuming large quantities of alcohol. Remember, even if you don’t feel drunk, having a few extra sips of alcohol can put you over the legal limit for driving. If you do drink alcohol over the holidays, use a rideshare service or designated driver to make sure you get home safely.

Be Alert: Never get behind the wheel of a car if you feel exhausted or sleepy. Give your body some time to rest and wait until you become more alert before you start driving. If you start getting sleepy while you are driving, pull over at a rest stop and take a break.

Prepare for Emergencies: An accident can happen at any time, which is why you should keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Your emergency kit should have road flares, flashlights, jumper cables, a phone charger, water, and kitty litter for gaining tire traction.

Distracted Driving: Accidents caused by distracted drivers account for 25% of all car crash fatalities. According to data, distracted driving is the cause of 58% of accidents involving teenage drivers. Texting while driving is one of the top causes of distracted driving accidents. Distracted driving accidents can be easily prevented if drivers remove potential distractions from their vehicle before they start driving.

Illinois Personal Injury Firm

At Sam C. Mitchell & Associates, we are committed to helping clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their accident injuries. If you are involved in a car accident over the holidays, you should contact us immediately to discuss your legal options. Our skilled lawyers will review the details of your case and ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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